Press Releases

HOLYOKE, MA - Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chairman House Committee on Ways and Means visited Holyoke Community College on Friday to announce a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the amount of $399,676. This funding comes from the HHS Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program. Congressman Neal met with President Christina Royal for the announcement.

"As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I have been diligent in my commitment to use resources the committee has jurisdiction over to assist those who struggle with opioid abuse,” said Congressman Neal. “We all know someone who suffers from this epidemic. This disease touches all people from all walks of life. We must continue to work together to combat this critical public health and safety issue, and I am grateful for the good work HCC continues to do in this realm."

“Funding to launch this new program could not come at a more critical time for our community and economy,” said HCC president Christina Royal. “COVID-19 has made clear how essential the role of community health workers are in addressing the wide range of physical, behavioral and mental health issues faced by members of our community. Through this program and with our partners, we will not only have the ability to support more families struggling with substance use, but we will also be creating more jobs in a sector central to our region’s economic growth.”

The Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program supports training programs that enhance and expand paraprofessionals knowledge, skills, and expertise. It aims to increase the number of peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals who work on interprofessional teams to provide services to children whose parents are impacted by opioid use disorders and other substance use disorders, and their family members in guardianship roles.

More information on the program can be found HERE.

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